The Librarian
rises with visiting sun
remembers summer
when gold beams vacation here
when skin warms in open fields
wearing the years as a cloak
yet evergreen to worldly chattel
remembers times simpler;
joy simmers beneath
never lackluster
emerging from the cellars underneath
though his mind in ancient manuscripts be
remembers days sunnier
symphonies sing
his heart beats in dewey decimal.
while the world collapses
into fires of division
burning the bridges crossing the chasms
only his books could mend
if only,
if only someone would join him in reading
the warmth of the sun would forgive.
Today it is open link Live at dVerse and I host, please join in any one of your poem. This week the first three stanzas was written by three of the bartenders Lisa, Melissa and Punam for my birthday last week, with their permission I am posting it and have added the last stanza. Thank you so much for this collaboration.
Collaboration is great.
February 13, 2024
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Image is fantastic for the poem. First three stanzas are wonderful — what a lovely birthday gift. The fourth stanza speaks to the state of the world…..if only the wisdom of the ancient librarian could light the way.
That is how I wanted to close the first three stanzas given to me, thank you.
The aged Librarian takes on a more powerful, mystical role of a sage every time I read about him…and read him…this is intensely visual, but packed with message, I love the concept really good.
Sometimes it is a good help, especially these days I think we need the books to save us all.
Bjorn, love the collaboration here between all of us. Together we can keep the sun warm with hope.
Yes, and thank you so much for starting this poem… as a matter of fact it was collaborations like this that brought me to blogging.
You’re very welcome, and did not know that, so a good present for you for your birthday.
A most stunning collaboration between all of them! I especially admire this part;
“when skin warms in open fields wearing the years as a cloak
yet evergreen to worldly chattel remembers times simpler.” ❤️❤️
Ah, yes, the heart of the librarian – “his heart beats in dewey decimal.” I love it!
The best heart beat
Beautiful, Bjorn. And sadly wistful as well.
If only more of us would read….
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I’ve been waiting for a new librarian poem, so well done Lisa, Melissa and Punam for initiating this lovely collaboration, and thanks for sharing it, Björn. In the first stanza, I love the way summer heat is evoked, the memories of simpler times in the second, the heart beating in Dewey decimal in the third, and I love the final lines of the fourth – if only.
Books are communion between living and dead, the entire chorus voiced to the metronome of “dewey decimal.” Will our children have to explain to theirs what books were?
I think they will know books only as the decorative parts for bookshelves.
those three knew the librarian well and what thoughtful lines for you to complete
“his heart beats in dewey decimal.” That line made me smile. Here’s to that sun!
I love your wonderful poem, Bjorn. This is a great line…
remembers summer
when gold beams vacation here
“his heart beats in dewey decimal” – Lovely and evocative!
Well a Happy Birthday to you Björn whenever it was and it seems we all love your old librarian…
A deep place where magic happens. I heard the librarians here are sending historic paperwork overseas for safe keeping
A lovely collaboration! If only indeed. Sigh. Too many people do not value knowledge. I love libraries, and your old librarian character.
What a fantastic collaboration! Congratulations!
Great collaboration Bjorn, the last verse brings it all together. JIM
Björn, thank you so much for adding your voice and the warmth of sun to this collaboration. What a fitting finale stanza!
Such a creative process and wonderful result.